One of the top three fried catfish places in the Memphis area - has plenty of black pepper and spices as is required for any real Southern recipe. They have a very good chocolate pie (stiff chocolate custard with lightly sweet meringue) that a local lady makes for the restaurant.
It is worth the drive if you've never been.
Rossville is a veritable food desert. Wolf River Cafe is the only real choice and i have been there two times in the last 2 years. While famous for their catfish (which I have had before an found to be unremarkable) this time, I opted instead for the BBQ, having noticed the pit visible from the dining area. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich and I am sad to say that Wolf River is a huge fail on the BBQ. Almost tasteless. The first time I have ever experienced that problem with pulled pork BBQ. Then there is the cole slaw. I was expecting more than mass produced cabbage from a big distributer. Walmart would reject this stuff! Â Bland, except for a somewhat chemical aftertaste. Even though I didn't order turnip greens, I did see them delivered to s nearby table and the coloring was definitely off from that of fresh. Â Also, they were chopped in small pieces....typical of canned or of a low quality. Anyone who has prepared fresh food knows the real from the canned upon sight.
The dessert I tried was alleged by the friendly waitress to be "homemade" and that is why I selected it. "Lemon icebox pie" ...an old south favorite. Â It was actually not bad but that could have been due to the contrast with the relatively flavorless BBQ. The pie was apparently a concoction made from condensed sweetened milk. Â I don't think the flavor was even real lemon, but will give credit for a meringue which was almost perfect in presentation.
I would rate this place as less than average if it were a chain but I have a heart for small privately run operations, so I will say it is marginally average. I would never advise anyone make a dedicated trip to Rossville simply to eat here.
There aren't too many places to eat in Rossville, either because the town is too small or Wolf River draws in most of the lunch crowd business.
Wolfs River is an old school southern restaurant. Â Gravel parking lot outside is filled with pick up trucks, business vans and cars. Â Inside is kind of small, there is a counter with about six chairs and about 20 tables and booths inside. Â Place is slightly seedy and worn, the word "greasy spoon" comes to mind. Â
Menu definitely had a southern slant to hit, fried foods (including catfish) barbeque, burgers and the classic meat and sides. Â I ordered the beef brisket with steak fries. Â My buddy ordered meatloaf with mashed potatoes and butter beans. Â My brisket didn't impress me much, kind of greasy and they skimped on the meat a bit. Â The steak fries were very good however as it appeared they used fresh potatoes cooked in clean oil. Â My buddy liked his meatloaf and potatoes, said it was like home cookin'. Â Pie was offered for dessert but we passed.
Place was very full during lunch hour, mostly workling class people. Â Waitresses were nice, lots of banter with the regulars. Â Service is what I would call "relaxed", after all we are in the south. Â
If you're a health nut or a vegetarian, this place wouldn't work but if you want southern style cooking, Wolf's will leave you satisfied. Â This place is worth a stop as it is the real deal.
Some of the best catfish I've ever had. Never ordered anything but catfish from this place. If you're on a diet don't make the trip from Memphis, it's about 20 minutes from East Memphis. Takeout is an option but it does taste better if you eat it right out of the kitchen. I've been here more than 10 times over 10 years and I've never been disappointed.
If you show up at 7 on a Friday night you will probably wait for an hour. The staff is always really nice.
Catfish is beyond great
Onion rings are good
Fries are good
Hush puppies are good
Sweet Tea is good
Blackberry Cobbler is great
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